Chesterfield teacher removed from class for ‘inappropriate comment’

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CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WTVR) - A Chesterfield County teacher was removed from the classroom as the school system investigates claims he made an inappropriate comment to students.

A number of Matoaca Middle School students told their parents the teacher threatened gun violence at the school. School officials won't confirm what was said, but do say an inappropriate comment involving school safety was allegedly made.

"A Matoaca Middle School teacher has been placed on administrative leave following an allegation of an inappropriate comment was made about school safety today," Chesterfield School spokesman Shawn Smith said.

Parents like Kelly Hendrick want to know more. She has sons at both Matoaca Middle School campuses – there are two -- and says she wishes the school administration wouldn't be so cryptic when it comes to issues on school grounds.

"I want to know if my kids are safe and what comment was made," Hendrick said.

"The school division takes seriously our responsibility to provide a learning environment that's free from distraction and disruption," Smith said. "A Matoaca Middle School teacher has been removed from the school following the allegation that an inappropriate comment involving school safety was made around students today. The teacher will not be returning to the classroom pending the outcome of the investigation and administration process."

“As a parent I feel there's no humor in this,” said Michael Sharper. “Especially after Sandy Hook, it's not funny at all." Sharper’s son goes to the Halloway Avenue campus.

Sharper said his son told him the comment was about gun violence.

"Something about coming back to school tomorrow and killing all the kids," Sharper said. “As a teacher, a role model, you’ve got to have better sense than that man."

Several parents told us off-camera that their child had class with the teacher in question and said the alleged comment was made at the Halloway Avenue campus.